John 13 DEVO: Jesus’ Ministry to His Disciples

Chapter 13:
John has been writing and showing that Jesus is the Christ. The first 12 chapters have centered on those who rejected Jesus. Now 13-17 will focus on those who believe in Him, His disciples. Last night, a good friend gave me a great reminder when he said, “Ministry is hard, messy and inconvenient.” This chapter kinda’ goes that way: Ministry (1-20), Pain (21-30), Ministry (31-35), Pain (36-38).
MINISTRY (1-20): Jesus is about to head to the cross. He knew His time was short and yet he wanted one more time with His disciples – Amazing Love! He makes a profound statement: “Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” How could Jesus love Judas knowing what he would do to Him? Yet, He continued love & offer Judas a chance to repent! Then I thought, how can God love ME knowing how I’ve treated Him?!~ So Jesus serves them by washing their feet – a lowly and humiliating job. Foot-in-mouth Peter tells him no way until Jesus says he can’t go to heaven unless he does. Peter’s reply? “Then wash all of me!” Ya’ gotta’ love His zeal! Why this example? Because “no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.” They needed to see servanthood.
PAIN: (21-30): Then the shocking word from their Master: “I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.” What amazes me is as they looked around, none of them had a clue to who it was until Jesus revealed it was Judas. This is a good reminder that our outward acts can fool people but never God! Then we read one of the most horrifying lines in the Bible: “As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.” It’s one thing to be demon-possessed, it’s a whole different situation to have Satan Himself enter. How painful it must have been for Jesus to reveal the heart of one He poured 3 years of His life into.
MINISTRY (31-35): “A new command I give you: Love one another.” To love others was not a new command, but to love them sacrificially like Jesus did was revolutionary! To love other this way will bring people to Jesus, unite believers and benefit society as well.
PAIN (36-38): Now it’s Peter’s turn as Jesus tells Him “before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!” Judas betrays and now Peter denies – both brought pain to our Savior. But don’t confuse the two, Judas had a heart issue, Peter’s heart was right and he was forgiven!
SO WHAT?!
*Jesus calls all of His kids to serve Him. He set the example. How are you & I involved in regularly serving Jesus? If you’re not, take some time today and ask God How you could be. Maybe check with your pastor or youth pastor and ask them.
*Is there anyone whom you feel as if you’ve let down? Someone to whom you’ve broken a promise? Why not give them a call and ask forgiveness and allow God to heal that hurt?! Restoring relationships is why Jesus came!
* Finally, I’ll end with the words of our Savior in verse 17, “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”